Local Business

On Saturday night, the Wildcats travel to Portland to take
on last year's CBL premiers Portland Coasters before returning to Stawell where
they will clash with Corio Bay Stingers.

Training has been at a high pace and intense level to
prepare the team for competition. Tuesday's training session saw the first team
selected to play Portland at Portland.

Coach Trevor Holmes said it is a very balanced side that
will be 'a threat' to other sides this season.

"We have a a blend of experience from Joel Freeland,
Tim Hollis and Archie Logan, some explosive work from Jordan Little, Ryan Logan
and Aiden Lee and the youth factor with Rory Jones, James Hallett and Zac
Salmi," Holmes said.

"Include all this with the Jarrad Ohayon factor and the
team is very well balanced in any type of game we need to play."

Ohayon was last year's CBL Hornets best and fairest winner
and definitely one to watch.

"He's a seasoned big league player, an athletic type.
Jordan Little is going to be a big power forward and Rory Jones, who is 16, is
an up and coming strong player who keeps on learning. He's like a sponge at the
moment," Holmes said.

Joel Freeland is returning from a four month lay off due to
an ankle injury, but Holmes said he is progressing well.

The team may change to play Corio Bay Stingrays in the
club's first home game at Stawell Leisure Complex on Sunday depending on how
well they pull up after Saturday night's match.

However, Holmes is confident his side will be right to be
play both matches.

"It (the double header) doesn't concern me. We've got a
list of 20 players to pick from. The fitness is there - the boys all train hard
and I know they'll cope with two games," he said.

"Everything is falling into place and we're looking to
this weekend. Our first home game is on Sunday and we're hoping to get a big
crowd."

For those interested in attending Sunday's home game, tip
off is at 1pm following a curtain raiser game between two under 14 boys teams
starting at 11.30am.

Stawell Wildcats would like to thank the businesses and
community of Stawell for their support to enable them to compete in the
2012/2013 Country Basketball League.